Tragic Incident Claims Life of Edward Pettifer, Linked to British Royals
A close associate of the British royal family, Edward Pettifer, has been tragically identified among the 15 fatalities resulting from a violent incident in New Orleans on January 1st.
Pettifer, the 31-year-old stepson of Tiggy Legge-Bourke—who cared for Princes William and Harry—succumbed to “blunt force injuries” after Shamsud-Din Jabbar, aged 42, drove a truck into a crowded area on Bourbon Street. The Metropolitan Police disclosed this information in an official statement.
Originally from Chelsea, West London, Pettifer was visiting Louisiana with a friend at the time of his passing.
Legge-Bourke married Charles Pettifer—a former officer in the Coldstream Guards—in 1999. She began her role as a nanny for William and Harry following their parents’ separation from King Charles and Princess Diana between 1993 and 1999.
Sources indicate that King Charles is heartbroken over this incident and has offered his heartfelt condolences to Edward’s family.
!Prince William with Tiggy Legge-Bourke
Prince William along with Prince Harry shared fond moments with their former nanny.
Having been a significant figure in their lives during childhood, Legge-Bourke maintains close ties with William and Harry. Both brothers attended her wedding celebrations while she was also present for theirs in 2011 and 2018 respectively. Notably, she holds the title of godmother to Prince Archie—the son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
In response to this heartbreaking loss, Prince William took to social media expressing: “Catherine and I are deeply shocked by Ed’s untimely death.” He emphasized that their thoughts are firmly with both the Pettifer family as well as other innocent individuals affected by this catastrophic event.
As per reports released by the FBI on January 2nd—a day after the incident—the confirmed casualty count now stands at fifteen victims associated with this tragic attack.
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!Tiggy Legge-Bourke
Tiggy Legge-Bourke seen outside London’s High Court.
In an emotional statement relayed through police channels, Edward’s family shared: “We are utterly devastated by Edward’s passing in New Orleans. He was not just our beloved son but also an esteemed brother grandson nephew friend.” They further added: “We will cherish him always… Our thoughts extend towards other families grieving similar losses due to such senseless violence—we ask respectfully for privacy as we navigate our grief.”
Details Surrounding The Attack
Witnesses reported that Jabbar—a Texas native—drove his Ford pickup truck recklessly into Bourbon Street around approximately three fifteen AM local time according to early accounts gathered from authorities.
The New Orleans Police Department previously confirmed Jabbar’s demise following armed confrontation at the scene where he clashed fatally with law enforcement officials present there. Subsequently reported investigations by federal authorities concern possible links between Jabbar’s actions or affiliations suggested thereof tied closely back towards extremist groups aiming instead at targeting civilians amidst what unfolded on that fateful night.
